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Inclusion matters: Access and empowerment for all people

What Hanson Search employees had to say about disability inclusion in the workplace

There are an estimated one billion people living with disabilities around the world, who face many barriers to inclusion in critical aspects of society, according to the UN. Raising awareness of the value of inclusion and accommodating people with disabilities – and diversity in all forms – is central to our values at Hanson Search. "Working in an inclusive environment is the future. Diversity should be embraced across all areas and disability inclusion is key; many of us either have a disability in some form or know someone who does." - Alice Weightman "Diversity in the workplace makes for a much better team dynamic. I enjoy working with a mixed bag of cultures, talents, personalities and backgrounds and learn a lot from each and every individual person. If we were all the same, it would make for a dull life!" - Katie Simpson "I don’t think anyone can truly understand claustrophobia unless you are affected by it. For me going in a lift or travelling on the underground is not an option and makes life difficult especially my working life. Claustrophobia cannot be seen; it’s classed as a disability under the mental illness category. Attending external meetings can cause immense stress if the meeting is in a tall building as stairs to all floors are mostly fire exit or service stairs (no-one would climb the stairs to the 25th floor). Having an employer who is understanding and accommodating to the disability is paramount. Allowances may need to be made; for instance, not being able to attend meetings or functions, or reconsidering venues. A good employer will consider the impact for the employee and ensure steps are in place to accommodate the disability." - April Dudley "We live in a world where people come in many different forms, sizes and colours. Everyone has their own unique value to offer. Everyone deserves respect, love and compassion particularly in the modern day, western work place." - Simon Jacob "I think there’s a lot of rhetoric around equality in the workplace and those with disabilities are often underrepresented more so than other minority groups or causes. People should be awarded roles on merit and their ability to do a job more than anything else, and those with disabilities can offer a wider perspective and a different value to a business that others may not be able to offer." - Amandeep Gill "Working in an office that values inclusivity and promotes diversity is so important. Personally, I find it helps me see things from different perspectives – things I may not have considered but have a huge positive impact on my work. It also makes me a more considerate person because I’m more aware of the small and large obstacles that some people face on a day to day basis. There are little things I can do to be more considerate of this wherever I am – on my commute, out in London, in the office." - Sally Lutzen "Having diversity in the office place is always good as you see how different people operate, creating a dynamic environment. For someone that is dyslexic, I see things in a different way to others. I don’t think in any way that this is something to hold people back, but a tool to be utilised in the proper manner. Everyone has their own view and I have found growing up with dyslexia, my view has normally been slightly different to others. I think that this adds a unique opinion and creates a diverse office environment." - Grant Somerville "Just knowing that our company supports people with mental and physical disabilities, makes people more open to coming forward and making the company aware of their disability – particularly with things that aren’t visible. I feel lucky to work in an environment where diversity is encouraged, and flexibility is offered to those who need it, in whatever form that might be." - Tazie Taysom "Working with people with a variety of experiences teaches so many good qualities; respect, tolerance, awareness. Having a disability means some work can sometimes be challenging but knowing that there is the support and patience within a workplace can make it so much easier. The benefits far outcome the difficulties – for everyone involved." - Alice Campbell "Working with someone who is dyslexic has taught me to spend a bit more time reading and deciphering documents they write without asking for clarification, as well as ensuring all of my emails are clear and easy to read. It’s a small modification, but makes our working relationship much smoother." - Lucy Bott

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Author: Alice Weightman

As Founder and CEO, Alice established Hanson Search in 2002 and has since gained a reputation as one of the leading search professionals in senior appointments across communications, developing an incredible network globally.